Arus Mhuire Housing- Rightsizing Scheme

By project PROXIMITIES

Published on 08 March 2025

Ireland

Southern

Cork

About this good practice

Located on the periphery of Cork City, Arus Mhuire is a purpose-built, age-friendly housing scheme developed by Cork City Council as part of its wider Rightsizing Scheme. Managed by Tuath Housing, a not-for-profit Approved Housing Body providing social housing across Ireland, the scheme supports people aged 60 and over in accessing housing that better suits their needs.

The Rightsizing Scheme is designed for both existing Local Authority tenants and private homeowners who wish to move into smaller, more suitable accommodation. It offers a voluntary pathway to secure a tenancy in a modern, well-connected community, while also making larger homes available for families in need.

Homes in Arus Mhuire are designed in line with Lifetime Homes Standards, ensuring adaptability for a wide range of needs. Through this initiative, Cork City Council is advancing age-friendly housing solutions that promote independent living while maintaining close proximity to essential services.

Expert opinion

Arus Mhuire offers an example of a rightsizing housing scheme for older persons in Cork, Ireland. Rightsizing refers to moving into more suitable housing later in life. Located on the edge of Cork City, the age-friendly housing complex was developed by Cork City Council and is managed by Tuath Housing. As part of the Rightsizing Scheme, it provides people aged 60+ with the opportunity to move into modern, accessible homes while freeing up larger houses for families. The scheme is voluntary and open to both council tenants and private homeowners whose homes no longer meet their needs. With strong policy support, funding, and collaboration, the initiative successfully created a vibrant community of 30 residents and made 30 larger homes available. Recognised with national awards, Arus Mhuire serves as a model for rightsizing and age-friendly design. This good practice can inspire other European cities to develop age-friendly housing schemes using frameworks such as the Lifetime Homes Standards, while improving housing availability for families. It would most benefit medium-sized cities with an increasing elderly population and a tight housing market.

Arnault Morisson

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

Key resources for Arus Mhuire’s success include funding, policy support, and incentives, helping older residents downsize. Built to Lifetime Homes Standards, it supports independent living, while access to services, community ties, and strong local authority collaboration enhance its impact.

Evidence of success

The Arus Mhuire rightsizing scheme in Cork City has been highly successful, with six private and twenty-four social housing applicants forming a well-connected community. It freed up thirty larger homes across the city. Strong collaboration between Cork City Council and Tuath Housing ensures effective management. Its suburban location provides access to key services. Recognised as a model for rightsizing, it won the Housing for Older People and Local Authority Innovation awards in 2019.

Potential for learning or transfer

The Arus Mhuire rightsizing housing scheme demonstrates how targeted policy initiatives can transform peripheral urban areas into thriving, sustainable communities. It highlights how collaboration between Local Authorities and housing associations can meet the needs of older residents while freeing up larger homes for families, leading to a more efficient use of housing stock.

The scheme’s success lies in its adaptable design, ensuring lifelong suitability, its strategic location with access to essential services, and financial models that encourage participation without pressure. These elements can be replicated across Europe to improve housing options, enhance quality of life in peripheral urban areas, and support sustainable development and community resilience.